Medical toilet

ABSTRACT

A system and method for discharging waste fluid from a dialysis machine into a toilet. The system may be a medical toilet that includes an air gap, an inlet port, a manifold, and an outlet port. The system may be a medical toilet seat that includes a discharge assembly, nozzle, and air gap. The discharge assembly may be releasably secured to the medical toilet seat. The system may have a discharge assembly pivotally coupled to a flush line of a flush valve. The method may provide fluid flowing through the air gap from a dialysis machine and into a toilet bowl of a toilet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/569,368, filed Oct. 6, 2017, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions relate generally to systems and methods for amedical toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many patients rely on dialysis machines to remove waste and excess waterfrom their blood. The waste and discharge from the dialysis machinerequires disposal. This may involve permanently plumbing an air gap intoa standpipe. The air gap shares the standpipe, and provides back flowand back siphonage protection. In plumbing, a standpipe is a verticalvented pipe attached to a trap that permits rapid wastewater dischargewithout disrupting the water seal of nearby traps. Tubing from thedialysis machine is connected to the air gap for flow of the waste anddischarge fluid from the dialysis machine into a hospital or otherbuildings plumbing system. Some people employ portable dialysis machineswhich also require disposal of the waste or discharge fluid. A needexists for a clean and safe way to dispose of waste from a dialysisprocedure. There exists a need for devices, systems, and methods for amedical toilet that is compatible with an air gap for use with adialysis machine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, a toilet for discharging medical waste mayinclude a first connection point on the toilet; and a dischargeassembly. The discharge assembly may include a portion to receive an airgap; and a second connection point. The discharge assembly is configuredto couple to the toilet at the first connection point by coupling thesecond connection point to the first connection point, and the dischargeassembly is configured to allow a discharge fluid to flow through theair gap and to a toilet bowl of the toilet.

According to an embodiment, the toilet may include an air gap, the airgap further comprising a flat surface, wherein the flat surface isoriented to face a wall behind the toilet.

According to an embodiment, the toilet may include one of a toilet seatand a flush line and the first connection point is on at least one ofthe toilet seat and the flush line.

According to an embodiment, the first connection point may be providedat a predetermined location on the toilet without structuralmodification to the chinaware of the toilet.

According to an embodiment, one or both of the first connection pointand the discharge assembly may be removably coupled to the toilet.

According to an embodiment, the discharge assembly may be configured topivot between a first position out of alignment with a toilet bowl ofthe toilet and a second position in alignment with the toilet bowl,wherein in the second position, the discharge assembly is configured todeliver the discharge fluid to the toilet bowl.

According to an embodiment, the discharge assembly may be configured tocouple to a dialysis machine via tubing coupled to inputs on the airgap, and wherein the tubing is configured to discharge waste fluid formthe dialysis machine, through the air gap, and into a toilet bowl of thetoilet.

According to an embodiment, the toilet may include a toilet seat and atoilet lid, the toilet seat and toilet lid coupled to a base of thetoilet with a hinge portion housing, and wherein the first connectionpoint is on the hinge portion housing.

According to an embodiment, the toilet seat, the toilet lid, and thehinge portion housing may be configured to replace an existing toiletseat and toilet lid.

According to an embodiment, the discharge assembly may include a housingfor receiving the air gap and a seal, the seal configured to seal anarea between the air gap and an opening in the housing.

According to an embodiment, the first connection point and the secondconnection point may be magnets.

According to an embodiment, the first connection point may be coupled toa flush line of the toilet and the second connection point may beconfigured to pivot with respect to the first connection point.

According to an embodiment, the first connection point further mayinclude a clamping portion configured to couple to a flush line; and apivoting member secured to the clamping portion; and the secondconnection point may include an air gap holder; and a pivoting armconfigured to couple to the pivoting member at a pivot point.

According to an embodiment, the first connection point may be a firstfluid coupling on a flush line and wherein the second connection pointmay be a second fluid coupling on the discharge assembly, wherein thefirst fluid coupling and the second fluid coupling are configured toconnect such that fluid may flow from the air gap through the flush lineand into a bowl of the toilet.

According to an embodiment, a method for discharging waste fluid duringa dialysis procedure may include providing a toilet with a dischargeassembly; connecting a tube from a dialysis machine to the dischargeassembly; and discharging fluid through the tube and into the toilet,wherein the discharge assembly is configured to move between a useposition in alignment with a toilet bowl of the toilet and a storedposition out of alignment with the toilet bowl. The discharge assemblymay include an air gap and an air gap housing for receiving the air gap,wherein the discharge assembly is removably coupled to the toilet. Thedischarge assembly may be removably coupled to a toilet seat. Thedischarge assembly pivots between the use position and the storedposition.

According to an embodiment, a discharge assembly for discharging a wastefluid into a toilet may include an air gap; a housing configured toreceive the air gap; and a connection point configured to releasablysecure the housing and the air gap to one of a flush line or a toiletseat.

According to an embodiment, the discharge assembly may be configured topivot with respect to the toilet.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention areset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription and drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood that both theforegoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detailed description serve to explainthe principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a medical toilet, according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a medical toilet, according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a toilet bowl of a medical toilet,according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows a partial perspective view of a medical toilet, accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a partial bottom-up perspective view of a portion of themedical toilet of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical toilet of FIG. 3A,according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a medical toilet, according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6B shows another perspective view of the medical toilet of FIG. 6A,according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of a toilet with a medical toilet seat,according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the toilet having a medical toilet seataccording to FIG. 7, with the medical toilet seat in a raised position,according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the toilet having a medical toilet seataccording to FIG. 7, with the medical toilet seat in a raised positionand a discharge assembly installed, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10 shows perspective view of the discharge assembly shown in FIG.9, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a medical toilet with a discharge assemblyin a first position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the medical toilet of FIG. 11 with thedischarge assembly in a second position, according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of the discharge assembly of FIG. 11, accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of a medical toilet, according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an air gap useable with a medicaltoilet or medical toilet seat, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

According to embodiments of the invention, the medical toilet may allowwaste and discharge from a dialysis machine to be safely discharged intothe sewer system through a toilet bowl without any additional plumbinginstallations. The waste and discharge fluid or dialysate, which may bewater, from the dialysis machine may flow through tubing on the dialysismachine to an air gap preinstalled and/or removeably installed on themedical toilet. The waste and discharge fluid may enter the toilet bowlof the medical toilet tangentially. The waste and discharge fluid mayswirl inside the bowl triggering the flow out of the trapway. The wasteand discharge fluid may swirl inside the bowl with a vortex like actionand/or like the swirl action inside the bowl of a toilet, such as aVormax® toilet triggering the flow out of the trapway. The volume of thewater and discharge fluid entering the medical toilet may initiate theflushing function of the toilet such that a manual flush of the toiletis not required to dispose of the waste fluid.

Various implementations of the invention are contemplated. Oneimplementation is providing the air gap in an inlet port located in atoilet. The inlet port connects to a manifold which has an outlet portin the bowl of the toilet. Another implementation is providing the airgap in a housing for attachment to a portion of the toilet, such as atoilet seat. Other manners for implementing the air gap into a toiletare considered.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a medical toilet 10 is shown.Although the medical toilet 10 is depicted as a wall-hung toilet, it maybe appreciated that the medical toilet 10 may be any known toilet,including, but not limited to a wash down toilet, a gravity-fed toilet,or a siphonic toilet, etc. The medical toilet 10 may have a toilet bodywith a toilet bowl 12, a rim 14, and a neck portion 18. The medicaltoilet 10 may have an air gap 16 located in the neck portion 18 of themedical toilet 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the medical toilet 10 may include an inlet port 20that may accommodate the air gap 16 which may connect to a dialysismachine (not shown). The air gap 16 may be seated in the inlet port 20with an attachment, washer, or seal formed from metal or a polymer (notvisible). The inlet port 20 may be punched into the back of the rim orthe neck portion 18. The inlet port 20 may also have a cover 22. Whenthe air gap 16 is not located in the inlet port 20, the cover 22 mayhinge pivot on a pivot point or axis 23 between a position out ofalignment with the inlet port 20 (e.g. FIG. 1) and a position tosubstantially cover the inlet port 20 (not shown). The cover 22 mayprevent unwanted material and/or fluid from entering or exiting thetoilet bowl 12. To couple the air gap 16 to the inlet port 20, the cover22 may be hinged or pivot out of contact with the neck portion 18 thusallowing access to the inlet port 20. The medical toilet 10 may includea manifold 24. The manifold 24 may direct fluid discharge from the airgap 16 through the inlet port 20 and into toilet bowl 12. The manifold24 may be coated with an antibacterial, antimicrobial, or hydrophobicsurface treatment to prevent scaling and/or bacterial build-up.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the process of discharging fluidfrom a dialysis machine (not shown) into the toilet bowl 12 may beappreciated. The air gap 16 may be secured in the inlet port 20 of themedical toilet 10. The tubing (not shown) from a dialysis machine may beconnected to the inputs 26 a, 26 b of the air gap 16. During thedialysis procedure, discharge fluid from the dialysis machine may travelthrough the tubing and to the inputs 26 a, 26 b. The fluid may then flowthrough the air gap 16 and into the manifold 24 for discharge through anoutlet port 28 and into the toilet bowl 12. Thus, the discharge or wastefluid from the dialysis machine may be disposed of in the medical toilet10.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a perspective view of the medical toilet 10 isshown. The medical toilet 10 may be the same or similar to the medicaltoilet 10 of FIG. 1. The air gap 16 may be located in the neck portion18 of the medical toilet 10. The outlet port 28 may be the entrance intothe toilet bowl 12 from the manifold 24 (FIG. 2). The outlet port 28 maybe punched into the side of the toilet bowl 12 or at various locationswithin the bowl, rim or trap. The location of the outlet port 28 in thebowl may be strategically chosen such that the flow remains attached toor along the inner surface walls of the toilet bowl 12 as the flowenters the toilet bowl 12. The flow may swirl in a circulation motion.The size of the outlet port 28 may be carefully designed such that theoutlet port 28 serves two purposes. First, for flow rates up to 6gallons per minute, the flow may stay within the toilet bowl 12 withoutcausing any splashing. Second, the flow rate may be such that there isno back pressure at the inlet port 20 that could cause spillage.Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 3B, the medical toilet 10 b may havethe air gap (not depicted) placed in an inlet port 20 at the rear of therim 14. The air gap may then discharge the dialysate from the dialysismachine directly into a rim path 13 and then into the toilet bowl 12.

Referring to FIG. 4, a partial bottom-up perspective view of the medicaltoilet 10 is shown. The manifold 24 may extend from an inlet port 20 tothe outlet port 28. The inlet port 20 may receive the air gap 16. Themanifold 24 may be formed integral with the toilet. The manifold 24 maybe dried, glazed, and fired together with the medical toilet 10. Themanifold 24 may be a part of the medical toilet 10 and may be glazedinside and out. The manifold 24 may be formed as a separate componentand attached to the medical toilet 10 after forming. The manifold 24 maybe permanently secured to the medical toilet 10. The manifold 24 may beremovably secured to the medical toilet 10. The manifold 24 may “stickon” to the medical toilet 10, for example, with an adhesive or adheringtechnique. Although not depicted, the manifold 24 may be cleaned with acleaning cycle or other manner of flushing the manifold 24.

Referring to FIG. 5, a side cross-sectional view of the medical toilet10 is shown. As may be appreciated, the manifold 24 extends at an anglefrom the inlet port 20 to the outlet port 28. The manifold 24 may extendat a downward angle from the inlet port 20 to the outlet port 28 toprevent standing liquid inside the manifold. The outlet port 28 may belocated in a sidewall of the toilet bowl 12. The outlet port 28 may besubstantially flush with the inner surface of the toilet bowl 12. Themanifold 24, inlet port 20, and outlet port 28 may be shaped anddimensioned to facilitate flow of the discharge fluid from the air gap16 into the toilet bowl 12 while also preventing backflow and splashingof the discharge fluid out of the toilet bowl 12 and/or out of the inletport 20. The manifold 24 may be formed with a slightly downward angle inthe vertical dimension and with a slightly outward angle in thehorizontal dimension to enter the toilet bowl 12 (at outlet port 28) ata close tangential angle to the normal flow and with the outlet port 28flush with an inner surface of the toilet in order

FIG. 6A shows the medical toilet 10 with tubing 30 a and 30 b connectedto inputs 26 a, 26 b, respectively. The tubing 30 a, 30 b may be tubingwhich is attached to a dialysis machine (not shown) for disposing ofdischarge or waste fluids. During use, the fluid may flow through thetubing 30 a, 30 b and into inputs 26 a, 26 b. As previously described,the flow may then flow through the air gap 16, through the manifold 24(FIG. 6B), and exit the outlet port 28 into the toilet bowl 12. FIG. 6Bis a bottom-up perspective view showing the manifold 24 as attached tothe medical toilet 10.

During manufacturing, and once molded, the medical toilet 10 is in a“green state” where the ceramic is still malleable. After demolding thetoilet, while in the green state, two holes may be punched in thetoilet. A first hole, the outlet port 28 (FIG. 2), may be punched on aside of the toilet bowl 12. A second hole, the inlet port 20 (FIG. 2),may be punched on the back of the rim, the neck portion 18, of themedical toilet 10. The manifold 24 may be cast separately and attachedto the medical toilet 10 in the green state using slip. The manifold 24may be dried, glazed, and fired together with the medical toilet 10. Themanifold 24 may be a part of the medical toilet 10 and may be glazedinside and out.

In an exemplary embodiment, on a 3D printed prototype of the medicaltoilet 10, fluid flow out of the manifold exhibited no splashing at flowrates up to 6 gallons per minute. Testing was performed to determine theoptimal orientation of the air gap with respect to the medical toilet toachieve optimal flow performance. In a preferred embodiment, the flatsurface 17 (FIG. 15) of the air gap is oriented to face a wall behindthe medical toilet. In the preferred embodiment, the orientation of theair gap facing the wall behind the medical toilet may be the mosteffective orientation to minimize turbulence through the manifold and atthe entrance into the bowl. The expected waste water flow, dialysate,out of the dialysis machine is 4 gallons per minute. In the exemplaryembodiment, a flow rate of 6 gallons per minute was performed tosafeguard the system against splashing for mass flow rates as high as1.5 times the designed mass flow rate of 4 gallons per minutes.

FIGS. 7-14 show medical toilets where a discharge assembly is providedwithout modification (e.g. structural modification such as punching ofholes) to the toilet bowl and/or the chinaware. Rather, the dischargeassembly is provided with the medical toilet seat and/or the flush valveand flush line as discussed in various aspects with respect to FIGS.7-14. The discharge assemblies contemplated are coupled to the toilet atwhat is referred to as a connection points. The connection points arelocations, adaptions, or modifications that cooperate to form aconnection between the discharge assembly and the toilet as described inthe various configurations.

Referring to FIG. 7, a medical toilet seat 100 is shown installed on atoilet 110. The medical toilet seat 100 is shown with a toilet seat lid134 in the raised position. The medical toilet seat 100 may be providedwith the toilet 110 or may be provided as an after-market product to beinterchanged with an existing toilet seat. The medical toilet seat 100may include a toilet seat 132 and the toilet seat lid 134. FIG. 8 showsthe medical toilet seat 100 installed on a toilet 110. The medicaltoilet seat 100 is depicted with the toilet seat 132 and the toilet seatlid 134 in the raised position. The medical toilet seat 100 isconfigured to be coupled to a discharge assembly 138 (FIG. 9). Themedical toilet seat 100 may include a hinge portion housing 136 having afirst connection point 135. The first connection point 135 may couple tothe discharge assembly 138 (FIG. 9). The first connection point 135 maybe located on the hinge portion housing 136, on the toilet seat 132, onthe toilet seat lid 134, or other locations on the medical toilet seat100. The first connection point 135 may be a magnet. The magnet may becolor matched to the toilet 110. The first connection point 135 may beother releasable connections, such as, for example, latches, clips,clasps, a friction fit, threads, screws or fasteners, etc. The dischargeassembly 138 (FIG. 9) is preferably removable for temporary use and toavoid interfering with conventional use of the toilet. For example, in ause position, the discharge assembly 138 may be coupled to the medicaltoilet seat 100. In an out of use position, the discharge assembly 138may be removed from the medical toilet seat 100.

Referring to FIG. 9, the medical toilet seat 100 is shown with thedischarge assembly 138 installed and the toilet seat 132 and toilet seatlid 134 in the raised position. The discharge assembly 138 may have ahousing 140. The housing 140 may have a second connection point 137 forcoupling with the first connection point 135. The second connectionpoint 137 may be located on the housing 140 or the air gap 116. Thesecond connection point 137 may be a magnet. The magnet may attach thedischarge assembly 138 to the magnet on the medical toilet seat 100. Forexample, the magnet on the discharge assembly 138 may couple with themagnet on the hinge portion housing 136 of the medical toilet seat 100.The second connection point 137 may be a releasable connectionconfigured to cooperate with the first connection point 135. The secondconnection point 137 may be other releasable connections, such as, forexample, latches, clips, clasps, a friction fit, threads, screws orfasteners, etc. The first connection point 135 and/or the secondconnection point 137 may provide a removable or permanent connection.Thus, the discharge assembly 138 and/or medical toilet seat 100 may becoupled to any toilet to provide a medical toilet seat 100 able todischarge fluid waste.

Accordingly, in use, the toilet seat 132 and toilet seat lid 134 may beraised. The discharge assembly may be connected to the medical toiletseat 100 and aligned over the toilet bowl 112. For example, the in useposition may extend the discharge assembly 138 above the open portion ofthe toilet bowl 112 such that waste fluid exiting the air gap 116 maydirectly enter the water present in the toilet bowl 112. The dialysismachine may be coupled to the inputs of the air gap 116 and dischargefluid may be emptied into the toilet bowl 112. When the dischargeassembly 138 is not in use, the discharge assembly 138 may bedisconnected from the medical toilet seat and the toilet seat 132 andtoilet seat lid 134 may be lowered such that the toilet 110 may be usedin a conventional manner.

The discharge assembly 138 may include an air gap 116. The air gap 116may be connected, in the manner previously described, to a dialysismachine (not shown). As shown and as previously described, the air gap116 may be oriented such that the flat surface 117 is oriented to face awall behind the toilet 110. When the discharge fluid from the dialysismachine is to be discharged into the toilet, the discharge assembly 138may be attached to the medical toilet seat 100, such as with magnets.The housing 140 and connection may retain the discharge assembly 138 inplace when fluid is flowing through the system and into the toilet 110.A nozzle (not visible) may be located on a lower surface of the housing140 to discharge the fluid from the air gap 116 into the toilet bowl 112of the toilet 110. The nozzle on the lower surface may create a swirl todilute the discharge fluid as it is disposed into the toilet 110.Although the discharge assembly 138 is depicted at a rear portion of thetoilet 110, other positions and locations of the discharge assembly 138are contemplated.

FIG. 10 shows the discharge assembly 138 which may be used with themedical toilet seat 100. The air gap 116 may be located in an opening ofthe housing 140. A seal 142 may be provided around the air gap 116 toseal and secure the air gap 116 within the housing 140. The air gap 116may be seated in the opening of the housing 140 with a metal attachment,washer, or seal. A nozzle (not visible) may be located on the lowersurface of the housing 140 to deliver fluid from the air gap 116 to thetoilet 110 (FIG. 9). The second connection point 137, such as a magnet,may be located on the surface 144 of the housing 140 to attach thedischarge assembly 138 to the medical toilet seat 100. The surface 144may be the second connection point 137 or the second connection point137 may be coupled to the surface 144. The housing 140 may have asubstantially horizontal first portion 146 for extending the air gap 116and nozzle over an inner area of the toilet bowl 112 of toilet 110 (FIG.9). The housing 140 may have a second portion 148 angled or curved fromthe first portion 146. The second portion 148 may have the surface 144with the connection type to attach the discharge assembly 138 to themedical toilet seat 100. The second portion 148 may be angled withrespect to first portion 146 at any degree necessary to achieve optimalpositioning of the discharge assembly 138 in the toilet 110. Forexample, the second portion 148 may be angled about 90 degrees or about45 degrees (as shown) with respect to the first portion 146. Otherconfigurations for attaching and positioning the air gap arecontemplated in accordance with the principles of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a medical toilet 200 is shown. A dischargeassembly 238 is mounted or attached to a flush line 253 and includes anopen in-use position and a closed not-in-use position. As shown, themedical toilet 200 may have the discharge assembly 238 in connectionwith the flush line 253 of a flush valve 252 of the medical toilet 200to directly attach the air gap 216 (FIG. 12) to the flush valve 252. Thedischarge assembly 238 may have an attachment member 254 for connectionto the flush valve 252. The attachment member 254 may allow for pivotingmovement between a position out of use, substantially parallel to theflush valve 252 and flush line 253 (FIG. 11) and a position in use,substantially perpendicular to the flush valve 252 and flush line 253.The in use position may be substantially over a portion of a toilet bowl212 of the medical toilet 200 (FIG. 12). For example, the in useposition may extend the discharge assembly 238 above the open portion ofthe toilet bowl 212 such that waste fluid exiting an air gap 216 (FIG.12) may directly enter the water present in the toilet bowl 212. Thedischarge assembly 238 may be tilted or pivoted downward into positionover the toilet bowl 212. After tilting downward, the air gap 216 may beinserted into the opening of the discharge assembly 238. The tubing fromthe dialysis machine may be connected to inputs of the air gap 216 whenit is desired to discharge fluid from the dialysis machine.

Referring to FIG. 13, the discharge assembly 238 is shown. The dischargeassembly 238 may have a clamping portion 256, a pivoting portion 258,and an air gap holder 260. The clamping portion 256 may be substantiallycylindrical such that it fits around the flush valve 252 (FIG. 11) forsecuring the discharge assembly 238 to the flush valve 252. The clampingportion 256 may be constructed of two semi-cylindrical portions whichare clamped around the cylindrical stem of the flush valve 525 andsecured together with fastening members (not depicted). The clampingportion 256, the pivoting portion 258, and the pivoting member 262 mayform the first connection point 235 coupled to the medical toilet 200.The pivoting arm 264 and air gap holder 260 may form the secondconnection point 237.

The pivoting portion 258 may include a pivoting member 262 and apivoting arm 264 to which the air gap holder 260 is attached. Thepivoting portion 258 may be coupled to the pivoting member 262 at apivot point or pivot axis, for example, with a pin 263 (FIG. 12)extending through apertures in the pivoting portion 258 and pivotingmember 262. In this manner, the pivoting portion 258 may allow for themovement between the position of FIG. 11 and the position of FIG. 12.The air gap holder 260 may include a substantially cylindrical openingto accommodate the air gap 216. The air gap 216 may be seated in theopening with a metal attachment, washer, or seal. As shown andpreviously described, the air gap 216 may be oriented such that the flatsurface 217 is oriented to face a wall behind the medical toilet 200.The discharge assembly 238 may be permanently or removably coupled tothe flush line 253 of the flush valve 252. The first connection point235 may be permanently or removably coupled to the second connectionpoint 237. Thus, the discharge assembly 238 may be coupled to any toilethaving a flush line 253 or other vertical or cylindrical portion toprovide a medical toilet able to discharge fluid waste.

Referring to FIG. 14, the medical toilet 300 is shown. The medicaltoilet 300 may have a discharge assembly 338 in connection with a flushvalve 352 of the medical toilet 300 to directly attach the air gap 316to the flush line 353 between the flush valve 352 and the entrance ofthe flush line 353 to the medical toilet 300. The discharge assembly 338may be a single unitary piece with the flush line or a separateattachment member which is connected by various types of connections. Itis contemplated that the discharge assembly 338 may be connected at anyposition along or around the flush line 353. The flush line 353 may havea first connection point 335, such as an opening, aperture, or otherfluid coupling, pipe junction, in the flush line 353. The dischargeassembly 338 may have a second connection point 337, such as an end of apipe, opening, pipe junction, or other fluid coupling. The firstconnection point 335 may couple to the second connection point 337. Thefirst connection point 335 may receive the second connection point 337,or vice versus. The first connection point 335 and the second connectionpoint 337 may fluidly couple the air gap 316 to the flush line 353 fordischarging fluid waste. The discharge assembly 338 may be a variety ofshapes such as straight horizontal pipe, an angled pipe or a curvedpipe. The air gap 316 may be inserted into the opening of the dischargeassembly 338. The tubing from the dialysis machine may be connected toinputs of the air gap 316 when it is desired to discharge fluid from thedialysis machine. There may also be a cap on the end of the dischargeassembly 338 when the dialysis machine is not contacted to the dischargeassembly 338. It is contemplated that a washer or other sealing orattaching mechanism 340 may be include in the discharge assembly 338 toseal and/or assist with attachment of the air gap 316. Thisconfiguration allows for the discharge fluid or dialysate to directlyflow into the flush line and into the medical toilet 300.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary air gap. The air gap may be any of the airgaps 16, 116, 216, and 316 which may be used with any of the describedmedical toilets or the medical toilet seat 100. As previously discussed,the air gap may have inputs 26 a, 26 b for connecting to tubing of adialysis machine. The inputs 26 a, 26 b may be barbed to provide asecure connection between the tubing and the dialysis machine. The airgap may have a discharge end 50 with an outlet port or nozzle (notvisible) for discharging the fluid from the tubing. The air gap 16, 116,216, 316 may have a flat surface 17, 117, 217. As previously described,the flat side may be aligned with a wall behind the respective toilet.

As may be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, the medical toilets10, 10 b, 200, and 300 and medical toilet seat 100 allow for the safe,clean, and efficient disposal of waste and discharge fluids from adialysis procedure. Fluid may be allowed to flow through the air gapfrom the dialysis machine and be disposed into a bowl of a toilet. Thelocation, shape, design, and other factors may be selected such thatback pressure and splash back are not permitted during use of themedical toilets and/or medical toilet seat.

The medical toilets of the foregoing disclosure may provide apredetermined connection point for a discharge assembly. Thepredetermined connection point may provide a position to discharge fluidwaste into the toilet that is sturdy, reliably positioned, produces lesssplash of discharge waste fluid into the toilet, and induces flushing ofthe toilet to evacuate the discharge waste fluid. The connection pointmay be provided separate from the toilet such that the dischargeassembly may be retrofit or coupled to existing toilets. The connectionpoints may be provided separate from the toilet such that there is nomodification provided to the toilet itself to achieve the coupling ofthe discharge assembly to the toilet.

According to embodiments of the invention, a medical toilet which iscompatible with portable dialysis machines is provided. The dischargefluids, or dialysate, from the portable dialysis machine may be drainedinto the toilet safely using a dedicated port built into the medicaltoilet. According to embodiments of the invention, any existing toiletmay be easily converted to a medical toilet during the manufacturingprocess. After demolding the toilet, in the green state, two holes maybe punched on the toilet. A first hole may be punched on a side of thetoilet bowl and a second hole may be punched on the back of the rim ofthe toilet. A manifold may be casted separately and attached to themedical toilet in the green state. The manifold may be dried, glazed,and fired together with the medical toilet. The manifold may be a partof the medical toilet and may be glazed inside and out.

According to embodiments of the invention, the manifold may be designedto accommodate a flow rate of 4 gallons per minute without splashing orfluid backing up within the toilet. The geometry, size, shape, location,and/or internal dimensions of the manifold may affect the flow of thedischarge fluid into the toilet. The angle where the manifold meets thetoilet bowl on the side may affect the flow of the discharge fluid intothe toilet. The aforementioned parameters may by critical to having asmooth flow entering the toilet bowl.

In an embodiment, a toilet includes a toilet body having a toilet bowland a neck portion, the neck portion having an inlet port and the toiletbowl having an outlet port, a manifold extending between the inlet portand the outlet port, and an air gap located in the inlet port. A fluidflows through the manifold and exits the outlet port without splashingwater from the toilet bowl.

In an embodiment, a toilet seat assembly includes a toilet seat having ahinge portion housing with a first connection point and a dischargeassembly. The discharge assembly includes a housing, an air gap, and asecond connection point. The first connection point is configured toattach to the second connection point, such that the discharge assemblyis positioned over an area of a toilet bowl of a toilet. The firstconnection point is attached to the second connection point, fluid flowsthrough the discharge assembly and into the toilet bowl.

In an embodiment, a method of discharging fluid during a dialysisprocedure, the method includes providing a toilet with an inlet port andan outlet port, inserting an air gap into the inlet port, connecting atube from a dialysis machine to the air gap, and discharging fluidthrough the tube, the air gap, and the outlet port. Discharging fluidexits the outlet port at an interior surface of a toilet bowl of thetoilet with no splashing of the fluid form the toilet bowl.

In an embodiment, a device for connecting an air gap to a toilet. Thedevice may be positioned in a manifold opening in the toilet. The devicemay be mounted to a toilet seat of the toilet.

Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferredembodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations andmodifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of theinvention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if notexplicitly stated above.

1. A toilet for discharging medical waste comprising: a first connectionpoint on the toilet; and a discharge assembly, the discharge assemblycomprising: a portion to receive an air gap; and a second connectionpoint, wherein the discharge assembly is configured to couple to thetoilet at the first connection point by coupling the second connectionpoint to the first connection point, and wherein the discharge assemblyis configured to allow a discharge fluid to flow through the air gap andto a toilet bowl of the toilet.
 2. The toilet of claim 1, furthercomprising an air gap, the air gap further comprising a flat surface,wherein the flat surface is oriented to face a wall behind the toilet.3. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising one of a toilet seat and aflush line and the first connection point is on at least one of thetoilet seat and the flush line.
 4. The toilet of claim 1, wherein thefirst connection point is provided at a predetermined location on thetoilet without structural modification to the chinaware of the toilet.5. The toilet of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first connectionpoint and the discharge assembly are removably coupled to the toilet. 6.The toilet of claim 1, wherein the discharge assembly is configured topivot between a first position out of alignment with a toilet bowl ofthe toilet and a second position in alignment with the toilet bowl,wherein in the second position, the discharge assembly is configured todeliver the discharge fluid to the toilet bowl.
 7. The toilet of claim1, wherein the discharge assembly is configured to couple to a dialysismachine via tubing coupled to inputs on the air gap, and wherein thetubing is configured to discharge waste fluid form the dialysis machine,through the air gap, and into a toilet bowl of the toilet.
 8. The toiletof claim 1, further comprising a toilet seat and a toilet lid, thetoilet seat and toilet lid coupled to a base of the toilet with a hingeportion housing, and wherein the first connection point is on the hingeportion housing.
 9. The toilet of claim 8, wherein the toilet seat, thetoilet lid, and the hinge portion housing are configured to replace anexisting toilet seat and toilet lid.
 10. The toilet of claim 1, thedischarge assembly further comprising a housing for receiving the airgap and a seal, the seal configured to seal an area between the air gapand an opening in the housing.
 11. The toilet of claim 1, wherein thefirst connection point and the second connection point are magnets. 12.The toilet of claim 1, wherein the first connection point is coupled toa flush line of the toilet and wherein the second connection point isconfigured to pivot with respect to the first connection point.
 13. Thetoilet of claim 1, the first connection point further comprising: aclamping portion configured to couple to a flush line; and a pivotingmember secured to the clamping portion; and the second connection pointfurther comprising: an air gap holder; and a pivoting arm configured tocouple to the pivoting member at a pivot point.
 14. The toilet of claim1, wherein the first connection point is a first fluid coupling on aflush line and wherein the second connection point is a second fluidcoupling on the discharge assembly, wherein the first fluid coupling andthe second fluid coupling are configured to connect such that fluid mayflow from the air gap through the flush line and into a bowl of thetoilet.
 15. A method for discharging waste fluid during a dialysisprocedure, the method comprising: providing a toilet with a dischargeassembly; connecting a tube from a dialysis machine to the dischargeassembly; and discharging fluid through the tube and into the toilet,wherein the discharge assembly is configured to move between a useposition in alignment with a toilet bowl of the toilet and a storedposition out of alignment with the toilet bowl.
 16. The method of claim15, the discharge assembly further comprising an air gap and an air gaphousing for receiving the air gap, wherein the discharge assembly isremovably coupled to the toilet.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein thedischarge assembly is removably coupled to a toilet seat.
 18. The methodof claim 15, wherein the discharge assembly pivots between the useposition and the stored position.
 19. A discharge assembly fordischarging a waste fluid into a toilet, the discharge assemblycomprising: an air gap; a housing configured to receive the air gap; anda connection point configured to releasably secure the housing and theair gap to one of a flush line or a toilet seat.
 20. The dischargeassembly of claim 19, wherein the discharge assembly is configured topivot with respect to the toilet.